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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

FREE Blogger Opportunity! $200 Giveaway on the way!

McKinney Mommas Readers and Bloggers, are you ready to WIN cash?

Have It Your Way

Check out this FREE Blogger Opportunity! 

Yes, you readers (non-bloggers) will benefit too on 12/21 when the giveaway goes live and you can enter to win $200!

How will this work? You can enter to win $200! Whatever the winner wants, the winner will get! Kindle Fire, PayPal Cash, Amazing, Wal-Mart, Target! Who cares, they get just what they want up to $200! 

Bloggers you can get FREE Facebook link with the option to purchase additional links! About the event
    • Prize: Whatever you want up to $200 (shipping included) Do you want a Kindle Fire? Maybe an iPod, or a gift card to Target, no wait Paypal cash? We don't care we want you to have it your way! So let the games begin, and let's have some fun with this one!
Details
    • 12/21/12 and end on 1/21/13
    • FREE Facebook Link - With Announcement Post
    • Winner will receive $200 anything they want - if they choose a product shipping is included in the $200.
    • Additional links will be $2 - Daily Votes $3 - Paid links will be moved up on Rafflecopter.
    • Sign up HERE

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Why Photo Books are the Best Gift Ever at Shutterfly [FLASH Giveaway]

I've learned in the short two years of being a mother - that the best gifts are the ones that are personalized. 

I've given many gifts to the grandparents of my children, and by far their continued request is "Photos" or Photo Books.

Keep reading to find out how to WIN an 8x8 Photo Book from Shutterfly

My parents & in-laws flew out to Texas for the birth of my second daughter this summer, and we took many photos of the waiting days before....and celebration days afterward.

I think a wonderful way to tell them "thank you" is by creating a photo book of the event. Something they can display and share with friends, and re-live the memories as often as they choose to pick up the photo book.

Check out this video to see why photo books make the best gifts! Below or HERE: Shutterfly Photo Books: The Best Gift Ever





FLASH GIVEAWAY

Prize: (2) winners will receive a code for a FREE 8x8 Hardcover Shutterfly Photo Book
  • Entry deadline: December 15th, 11:59pm
  • Winners will have 24 hours to respond, as the gift code expires on 12/31/12
  • Two Winners will be chosen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Ways to Add Romance to Your Christmas Season


Photo by: Michal Marcol/freedigitalphotos.net
 Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone. Big crowds, tight budgets and trying to come up with the perfect gift for friends and family tend to take priority after Black Friday. Make sure to incorporate some love and romance into your holiday season. Even small gestures can go a long way in the romance department.
  1. Snuggle up and catch a Christmas-themed movie or special. Choose a Christmas-themed romantic comedy. Even a beloved Christmas classic that holds a special place in your heart would do. Pop some popcorn and sit down together to watch and rehash. Add a special dinner beforehand or dessert after. Cook their favorite meal and surprise them with the date night. Everyone loves a romantic surprise.

  2. Indulge your inner child and make a special breakfast while watching some classic Christmas cartoons are ran every year. Popular classic Christmas cartoons include Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964), The Night Before Christmas (1933), and A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). You could also opt to watch some newer ones too.

  3. Find local singing lessons together. Learn to sing duets of your favorite songs and Christmas carols. You can surprise your family and friends at holiday gatherings with what you have been up to. You can also showcase your new talents at local karaoke nights. Alternatively, you can surprise your significant other with a serenade to show off your new found talent. Who needs to buy a singing telegram when you can do it yourself, which would be even more romantic.

  4. Do your holiday baking together. Everyone loves homemade treats for Christmas gifts, and it doesn't always have to be the woman’s job. Pick out some recipes together and listen to Christmas music while baking treats for parties and gifts. You can wrap them in Christmas candy wrap or tins as a festive gift. Popular Christmas treats could include cookies, brownies, cake pops, fudge and holiday bark.

  5. Take a mini holiday together. If the stress of the holidays is catching up to you, why not surprise your significant other with a weekend for two. You can go somewhere local but treat yourselves to a spa weekend at a hotel or get away to some place you've been longing to go. A little planning goes a long way with wooing. Take him or her somewhere to see something you know would mean a lot to them. Many towns offer Christmas light displays or other tours. Take advantage of both the holiday and the getaway.
Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to your sweetie - don't let the season pass you by without leaving a romantic, fantastic memory of the time together. 

McKinney Mommas wants to thank "AC" for authoring this guest post! Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Feel Like Winning a $50 Amazon Gift Card? Holiday Shopping Spree Giveaway!


Welcome! Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit by entering the Holiday Shopping Spree Giveaway?
SaleCamel, Sweet N Sour Deals and a handful of other bloggers are coming together to bring you this awesome giveaway!
3 Winners will take home $50 Amazon Gift Cards! Feel free to spend these babies on your Christmas gifts or keep them for yourself! The choice is yours!

Details:
  • This giveaway is open to US Residents and will run from 12/9-12/14 11:59 pm EST
  • To enter this giveaway us the Raffle Copter Form Below:
Disclosure: This was a sponsored giveaway from SaleCamel.com, Sweet N Sour Deals and any other bloggers involved in this giveaway are not responsible for the fulfillment of this prize. This giveaway is only open to US residents and the prizes will be fulfilled by Salecamel.com

Saturday, December 8, 2012

McKinney Mommas' Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2012

Here are a few of my picks for McKinney Mommas Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2012: 

Check it out!


Finding #WorthWearing Outfits at Indigenous Fair Trade Designs

If you read my blog at any length, you'll find that I'm all about supporting companies that are: fair trade, organic, non-profit, family owned, and anything else that promotes GOOD things in this world!

I found another one.



Indigenous is a organic clothing company that sells fair trade clothing made with a "commitment to sustainability and socially responsible actions."

I'm always afraid that organic clothing might mean frumpy or baggy sort of styles, not so with Indigenous' fair trade fashion.


Clean lines, modern design and fair trade materials makes Indigenous a brand I'd like to support!

In their words: 

"We are committed to supporting and preserving fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives. Investing in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes, and spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion"


I was given an opportunity recently, to shop at Indigenous to find an outfit worth wearing. I was surprised to find a number of styles that I could totally see myself wearing.  Often, I have to shop for hours, if not days to find outfits that feel like ME in traditional stores. 



I finally decided on the Alpaca Sheer Pullover in Silver.  Featuring a dramatic drape neckline and made from 100% free range alpaca wool.

I've never worn anything made from Alpaca before now. I assumed it would be itchy and heavy. Again, I was wrong.  This Alpaca Sheer Pullover, is a magical blend of breathable light material while being surprisingly warm.


Remember, I just had a baby a few months ago, so don't judge.  I paired this gorgeous Alpaca Sheer Pullover with a pair of bootcut jeans and my favorite brown high heeled boots. My "Hollywood" sister left a sweet, chunky necklace last time she visited, which was the perfect touch for my #worthwearing outfit.


I'm still a little self conscious about this dramatic neckline, so wore a cami underneath, but girl if you've got it...........go for it! I threw my hair in low pony tails just for a cool, casual look. 

IF you want to support eco fashion this holiday season, check out the selections at Indigenous! 

If you order before December 19th, you'll get FREE SHIPPING on your order and it's guaranteed to arrive before Christmas day! 



GIVEAWAY

Enter to Win a Tassel Scarf - $70 Value! 

 
  • Giveaway ends: December 21, 2012
  • Complete Rafflecopter Entry form below to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was not paid for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and I am under no obligation to write a positive review.  Thank you to the company indicated for providing me with a sample for honest evaluation. 

 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Holiday Craft Ideas to Make with Your Kids

Photo courtesy of:
Anusorn P Nachol/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s likely that the kids will have time off school and with a bit of luck, you might even get a few days off work to spend some quality time with the family. Whilst you’re seeing a lot more of the children, you may think it’s a good time to do something special with them that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. Now, this doesn’t have to mean spending stupid sums of money on expensive vacations or wasteful amounts of presents; your kids are more likely to appreciate fun activities with their parents in the long run. Craft activities are the perfect example of an enriching activity that both you and your children will love; here are some holiday craft ideas that will keep the whole family entertained over the festive season.
Craft Dolls
Children love their dolls and there are plenty of different kinds that you can make with a Christmas theme. Why not try making some Santa dolls with the kids; just by using some wire, glue, newspaper, cardboard, coloured tissue paper and paint, you can create some fantastic dolls that will get your children in the mood for Christmas. If the kids enjoy the experience of making dolls, why don’t you also try making a lovely snowman doll? Just get together some cotton wool, beads, paint and a few twigs and you’ll be able have a quick activity to keep your children occupied for a little while.
Christmas Wreaths
Your kids will love making Christmas wreaths, not only is this an activity that takes plenty of time, but it will also get them excited for the festive season ahead (if they’re not already!). Firstly, you will have to go to your local park or woodland and find some large twigs that will be suitable for weaving your wreath, once you have found enough to fill a shopping carrier bag, you should have enough. Whilst on your day out, why not try and find some moss to make a truly authentic wreath. You may need to spend a little time weaving the twigs together, but once you’ve done that, you can let the kids have their fun. Let them attach the moss to the wreath and add some finishing touches, like bells, ribbons or wild berries.
Christmas Tree Decorations
There is nothing that will make your children more proud than if they can make decorations that you can display around your house during this holiday season. Luckily, there are plenty of different decorations you and your kids can make. Why not try making baubles? The only things you need are Ping-Pong balls, paint, glitter, glue and string. Get your kids to paint the balls and paint glue onto them, then all you have to do is dip them in glitter and attach a string to hang them with. Another really simple tree decoration that your kids can make are ribbon decorations. These decorations are even simpler to make than baubles, just teach you children to tie bows and they’ll be occupied for hours.
This Guest Post was written by Kate Karson, who works for A Girl for All Time which provides a number of age appropriate gifts for girls from the age of 6 upwards, including award winning dolls and keepsakes.